To some, Wisconsin lottery revenue is falling short

Appleton — Twenty-five years after the Wisconsin Lottery sold its first ticket, the game has generated $3.5 billion in property tax relief, and lottery officials say they're pleased with that figure.

Others, however, say the proceeds haven't lived up to the lofty predictions tossed around when state residents first voted to approve the game.

Wisconsin voters authorized the lottery in 1987 under a measure requiring that the net proceeds be applied to local property tax relief. The first scratch-off ticket was sold in the fall of 1988, the Post-Crescent Media reported.

Since then the game has generated $11.3 billion in sales, of which $6.5 billion went to players as cash prizes and $3.5 billion went toward lowering property tax bills.

The lottery delivered average property tax credits of more than $100 in the 1990s. However, for most of the 2000s, the credits have been less than $100.

Lottery director Michael Edmonds said $3.5 billion "is a good chunk of money." But others, including Republican state Sen. Robert Cowles (R-Allouez), recalled supporters of the lottery referendum promising voters would see more of a benefit than that.

"When this was originally being debated, there were people trying to sell it as a (major) property tax cut, and that was unfortunate," he said.

Todd Berry, president of the nonpartisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, said his group had studied the lottery credit as a share of the average Wisconsin property tax bill.

"At its peak, it was a 4% to 5% reduction, but it's approaching a 1% reduction now," he said.

Even if the level of tax relief hasn't lived up to expectations, Cowles said he understands a majority of residents have accepted the game.

Edmonds predicted the Wisconsin Lottery would continue to be popular in 2014.

"I think people look upon the lottery favorably in general, and we've been a consistent source of tax relief for Wisconsin homeowners," he said.